Stellantis: here's why there are no B-SUVs in the US (Alfa Romeo Junior, Fiat Grande Panda, Jeep Avenger)

Stellantis has solid ambitions in the American market. With brands such as Jeep, Dodge, Ram, Chrysler, as well as Fiat, Alfa Romeo and MaseratiThe Group is positioned in one of the world's largest and most profitable markets. Yet, despite its diversified offering, some European models are not designed to cross the Atlantic. This is the case with the brand's B-SUVs, such as the Jeep Avengerthe Fiat Grande Panda and theAlfa Romeo Junior. So why is Stellantis not offering these models in North America? The answer lies not only in the tastes of the American market, but also in questions of standards.

North American market dominated by SUVs and pickups

The American automotive market is largely dominated by the pickups and the large SUVsC, D and E segments. So it's understandable that Stellantis didn't see fit to introduce compact vehicles, such as the Jeep Avengerthe Fiat Grande Panda or theAlfa Romeo Juniorwhich belong to the B segment, often perceived as too small to appeal to the American consumer.

That said, the idea of offering smaller B-SUV models seems counter-intuitive. Yet this could have been an opportunity to diversify the range, particularly for Fiatwhich is already present with a 500 A segment, and could expand its range with models such as the 600 or the Large Pandaor for Jeepwhich has a strong brand image and could easily complete its range with a smaller model below the Compass with the Avenger. Alfa Romeowith models such as the Giuliathe Stelvioand the Tonalecould also add a compact model like the Junior to its range.

A question of homologation

However, the main reason why these vehicles will not be offered in the USA is not only the nature of the market. Guillaume Clerc, Head of Product at Fiat/Abarth, explained that CMP platforms (used for the Jeep Avenger , Fiat 600 and Alfa Romeo Junior) and STLA Smart (used for the Fiat Grande Panda) are not approved for the American market.

These platforms would require structural modifications to comply with US standards. But these adaptations would entail high development costs. With projected sales volumes for these vehicles in the U.S. market relatively low, Stellantis judged that the investment required to make these platforms homologated and compliant with U.S. legislation would only be unprofitable.

So, if you were dreaming of seeing these vehicles arrive in American showrooms in the years to come, don't expect them to make their continental debut any time soon. Stellantis prefers to focus on larger models, better suited to American consumer expectations and market standards.